Technology is increasingly where people suffering with health conditions will turn to for advice and solutions. For chronic conditions such as tinnitus, technology can be used to manage symptoms outside professional medical care. A variety of options makes tinnitus coping strategies more customisable than ever in today’s digital age. From smartphone apps to wearable devices, let’s take a look at the ways in which individuals can now take an active role in managing their condition.
Sound Therapy Apps
Nowadays, apps can channel methods linked to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to provide relief to those suffering with tinnitus. Apps such as Oto combine CBT techniques with personalised approaches and structured audio programs to help users relieve the impact of tinnitus over a long-term period.
White noise and other background sounds can be a useful way of masking tinnitus for concentration or sleep. There are apps that can be downloaded specifically for this purpose, but for those with Spotify subscriptions, 10-hour long white noise or rain sounds tracks are also easy to find.
Mindfulness Apps
Mindfulness and meditation apps are already extremely popular among people suffering from a variety of chronic conditions, whether physical or psychological. Where tinnitus is concerned, these apps can help to indirectly relieve the stress and even physical symptoms that come with the condition. When it comes to mindfulness and meditation, Headspace and Calm are top of the range.
Tracking Apps
Tinnitus tracking apps can also be used to help identify triggers, monitor the progress of treatments, and help the user to feel in more control of their condition overall. Apps such as Tinnilog are interactive, and aim to offer personalised, data-driven insights that can help the user discern whether their treatments and techniques are working for them.
Wearable Tech
The digital age has seen an increase in the availability of wearable tech. This extends to gadgets like wearable sound generators that produce constant white noise or even vibrating wrist devices that when paired with an app can detect external sounds and make use of bimodal stimulation techniques.
While we have the digital age to thank for making such technology available, they all carry limitations and are most effective when used in conjunction with care from medically-trained tinnitus specialists or clinics. Effectiveness varies from individual to individual, but the personalised aspects inherent to many of these apps do their best to account for this. Their ability to offer empowerment to those with tinnitus and help them manage their condition is where their main value lies.
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